Lincolnshire Co-op has invested £1.3m in the new outlet in Heapham Road, Gainsborough, which will replace its existing store on Queensway.

The purpose-built food store will have a much bigger range of products including a new in store bakery, lottery and an ATM.

A 16-space car park will be available for customers and an increase in the store’s hours will see it open from 7am until 10pm seven days a week.

Nine jobs have been created and the existing 10 strong team will transfer over.

To celebrate the opening donations of £250 were given out to three local schools, Hillcrest Early Years Academy, White’s Wood Academy and Charles Baines Community Primary School.

The Co-op also gave away free bunches of flowers to the first 50 customers through the door and customers who spent more than £15 received a free box of Milk Tray chocolates.

Sharron Close, Executive Principal of White’s Wood Academy said: “It’s really fantastic to have this local connection with a community business. It’s brilliant for all of the little projects we do, it’s essential that businesses work with schools.”

Luke Lovelidge, Vice Principal of Hillcrest Academy said: “Thank you to Lincolnshire Co-op. We have plans to build a swimming pool so this donation will go towards buying resources for the children to learn to swim. We’ve had a look around the co-op and we think it’s a great asset to parents and children and to our staff who we know will be in here at lunchtimes!”

Maria Kilburn, from Charles Baines Community Primary School said: “I would like to say a huge thank you for the invite to the store opening and for the much appreciated cheque. Lincolnshire Co-op has supported us with many fundraising activities in the past and this has had a positive impact for the children at our school. Our pupil council are now meeting to discuss how the children would like to spend the money.”